letters to the editor

CYNTHIA NIXON’S RUNCynthia Nixon is a superb actress, and a fierce advocate for a number of issues, including LGBT rights and education (“Cynthia Nixon’s Gubernatorial Gambit,” March 22-28). And yes, she is a New Yorker from a humble background. Unfortunately, none of this qualifies her to be governor.

We do not know whether she knows how to balance her own checkbook, much less a $100 billion budget. She has not even run her own production company, so there is little reason to believe she could run a state government with over 200,000 employees. And while she has some legitimate understanding of many issues facing those in New York City, there is no reason to believe she knows or understands any of the issues facing the other one-half of the population of New York State. Your suggestion (and others’ comments) that the mere fact that she is a woman is reason enough for her to run is as absurd as the fact that she is a celebrity. (And haven’t we had enough of that?) What is saddest about Nixon’s quixotic run for governor is that when she loses to Cuomo (probably massively), it will make it harder for her to run for a more local office — which is where she should have started if she is serious about spending the rest of her life in politics.

I do not agree with all of Cuomo’s positions, and I know that I don’t like him as a person. But on balance, he has done more good than bad. As political consultant Hank Sheinkopf notes, “[He]’s passed gay marriage, stopped fracking, and enacted the toughest gun laws in the country” (among many other things). So for me, it is less the need for a “stellar argument” to vote for Nixon as it is the need for a “stellar argument” to vote against Cuomo.

Ian Alterman

Upper West Side

CRACKDOWN ON E-BIKES?Thank you for your front page article, “NYPD E-Bikes Crackdown Continues” (March 22-28).

I’ve yet to see any evidence that the “crackdown” has even begun. Until the 311 answering personnel have a pre-ordained place to put caller complaints, we will never see any action.

That is, unless someone gets run over and seriously injured. This is a 311 tactic learned from the previous administration. If residents can’t report it, the City can’t track it.

There are real problems. E-bike drivers don’t identify themselves as from any particular restaurant(s). No name tags. City safety reps need to visit each restaurant and take an inventory of delivery bikes.

Note: even if e-bike riders wear tags to identify the restaurants, residents will be loath to turn in their source for tasty takeout.

Until something is done, keep your eyes open in the back of your head. They’ll be coming at us up and down already crowded sidewalks. Making dogs crazy. The faster they make their deliveries, the faster they can get back and reload.

Hugh G.

Upper East Side

REMEMBERING CAFÉ ÉCLAIRI moved to the Upper West Side in 1970. Discovered the Café Éclair before very long (“Secrets of the Café Éclair,” March 15-21). Needless to say, I remember the delicious desserts and coffee. But what has remained with me to this day is a lesson owner Alexander Selinger gave my friend and me one evening.He came over to our table and told us that when placing a knife or spoon into a jar of jam, jelly or preserves, one must make sure it is clean — not having been used to spread butter or cream cheese first. Otherwise, he said, you are contaminating the contents of the jar and it will spoil sooner.I don’t remember exactly why he approached us with the friendly advice, but I’ve kept it in mind ever since, and after reading your article, I contacted my old friend, and he said he too has always remembered to do what we were told way back then. Thanks for reminding me again.Richard Barr

Upper West Side

My favorite memory of the Éclair restaurant was walking there in 1978 with my late first wife Karen and my cousin David Lehrman. “They make wonderful Napoleons there,” said Karen. “Oh?” asked David. “Do they leave out the bony part!”?Leonard J. Lehrman

Valley Stream, NY

Loved your article!My German refugee parents lived in Wilmington, Delaware. My memories of visits to Fort Washington to see their childhood friends and gorge on pastriesfrom Eclair will not leave me.I long for a re-creation of the Hazelnut Torte. Any ideas where to find their recipes?Judy Perlman

Manhattan Valley